PowerPoint (PPT) slideshows - Import and conversion - New SSP slide show

Applicable SongShow Plus Versions: 
This article applies to SongShow Plus 9.x and Later

* Updates affecting this feature may be available. Ensure that you are using the most current build of SongShow Plus from the Download page before proceeding. *

Many people still use Microsoft PowerPoint for building slide show content. SongShow Plus can, in many cases, use the native PowerPoint files using the built in 3rd party support plug-in when a supported version of Microsoft PowerPoint is installed (see article FAQ22). There are, however, several limitations and restrictions to using this and it is not the most compatible with SongShow Plus. Using native SongShow Plus file types is infinitely more versatile and reliable.

Fortunately, SongShow Plus has a couple of very useful tools that can solve most of the problems that people have with Microsoft PowerPoint files. One of these tools is the Slide Shows panel Microsoft PowerPoint Importer tool. This tool is ideal for a Microsoft PowerPoint file that was created for a sermon, presentation or other event where step by step progression is needed. This tool can also create image based announcement reels or other autorun slideshows. This tool will convert your Microsoft PowerPoint file to a SongShow Plus slideshow file that can be added and played in the Program panel as a fully supported SongShow Plus media format.

NOTE: This conversion is not a direct operation by operation conversion. This conversion is done via successive image capture.  The following limitation apply:

• Once complete, text will NOT be editable.
• Transition types from PPT will not be used. Select the desired transition type in the conversion steps.
• Transition times from PPT will not be used.  Select the desired transition time in the conversion steps.
• Embedded videos in PPT files are not captured.  These would need to be extracted and imported separately.
• Embedded audio in PPT files is not captured.  This would need to be extracted and imported separately.

Use the steps below to get started and as you get more familiar with the tool you can optimize it to meet your needs.

• Launch SongShow Plus.
• From the Media Files panel, select the Slide Shows tab.
• Select a destination folder from the file tree.
• From the Slide Shows tab toolbar, select Create or Acquire from... > Microsoft PowerPoint Importer.
• Select option a - Convert a PowerPoint Presentation.
• Read the brief intro then click the Next button.
• If your Microsoft PowerPoint file is on the desktop it will appear in the default list, otherwise click the browse... button to locate the file you want to convert to  a slide show.
• Once the desired file is selected, click the Next button.
• Select the Slides tab - normally all would be included and selected by default.
• On the Slides tab you can also select either Image per slide or Image per slide step.
  • The Image per slide step  option should be selected to preserve bullet points (and other on slide animations) in the conversion.  While this is not perfect it should capture bullets or other stepped animations.
• Click Next and set the Image Options. This should default to the size of the main display but can be adjusted as needed.  PNG file type is recommended. 
• Click Next and add a transition type and timing if desired. (This can be edited after the conversion is complete in the SSP Slide Builder.)
• Click Next, then the Import button.
• Depending on the length of the Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow and the size selected, the conversion may take a bit of time. It will display a "working..." indicator during the render process.
• Once complete, the resulting SongShow Plus slideshow file can be given an appropriate name, then click Save.
• From the option menu, select what to do with the new slide show file.

NOTE: If the original PPT file was an autorun, you will need to edit the resulting SSP slideshow and set your autorun preferences. 

Additional PowerPoint related help and information on known issues can be found by reviewing the self-help resources and training options for SongShow Plus.

Training Videos - A video walk-through of this process may be available.  Depending on your current subscription level, you can go to the GoFishMedia website training page and log in with the same Customer ID and password that you use to log in to the SongShow Plus site or activate SongShow Plus. - Review this article for more details.

If you have any questions regarding the use of, or issues with, any of the PowerPoint related SongShow Plus features, please contact the Support Team.

If this article does not resolve the issue, contact the Support Team.

(SSP118)